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Kidnappings linked to cryptocurrency

Agence France-Presse · Apr 18, 2026, 4:06 AM

Martin BUREAU / AFP

NANTERRE, France (AFP) — France has seen more than 40 cases of kidnappings or hostage takings linked to cryptocurrencies since January, as criminals seek to extort digital currency investors for ransom, authorities said Thursday. Some of the cases targeted institutional digital currency players or individuals with crypto holdings, Philippe Chadrys, deputy national director of the judicial police, told journalists Thursday.